Expedition

Expedition serves as an all-encompassing kick-off to the UVa-Wise experience for all new first-year students.

WHAT IS EXPEDITION?

Expedition serves as an all-encompassing kick-off to the UVa-Wise experience for all new first-year students. Named for Mr. Jefferson’s vision of exploration of the western U.S. by Lewis and Clark, it is a three-day extended orientation program that helps new students make their transition into the campus community as seamless as possible.

While summer orientation sessions provided students and families an opportunity to learn more about UVa-Wise, get questions answered and take care of business, Expedition is focused solely on the new students. Expedition incorporates a multitude of educational, social, community service, and leadership opportunities geared toward student success.

The Expedition logo, a directional compass, is symbolic of the different directions, opportunities and challenges that College life brings. UVa-Wise abounds with opportunities for academic exploration and the development of leadership and personal skills.

WHO ATTENDS EXPEDITION?

All new UVa-Wise students (residential and commuter), including freshmen as well as transfer students who have completed less than 30 transferrable hours, are expected to participate in Expedition. Please do not plan weekend trips, vacations, work hours, etc. during this three-day period.

Students attending ALL Expedition sessions will also receive one cultural activity credit toward their graduation requirement.

WHEN IS EXPEDITION?

Expedition 2014 will be held the weekend prior to classes begin, August 15-17. Move-in Day for residential freshmen is Friday, August 15. Expedition activities for ALL freshmen (residential and commuter) will be on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17. Expedition signals the start of the UVa-Wise educational journey for each new student! Expedition activities fill each day and evening through the journey’s official conclusion on Sunday. All meals are provided for students during their Expedition journey.
View the schedule summary.

WHO ARE THE ELs?

ELs, or Expedition Leaders, are upperclass students that will guide new students through their Expedition journey. As team leaders, ELs will be active participants in all Expedition activities.

The selection process for Expedition Leaders is held each spring semester for currently enrolled students. EL training includes both spring and fall sessions, and all ELs receive meals during training and throughout Expedition, an Expedition slingpack, Expedition manual, and a $150 stipend.

FAQs

Are meals provided during Expedition?Yes, all freshman students are given meal tickets to use for their meals throughout Expedition. Residential student meal plans will begin after Expedition with the Sunday evening dinner meal.

What should I wear?Dress is casual. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes…you will be walking all around campus.

What should I bring?Students are given a slingpack and folder to keep up with their Expedition materials, so you won’t need a backpack or other bag. Depending on weather forecasts, you may want to bring an umbrella.

Where do I park?Students should park in their regular, designated parking lots. If you have already purchased a decal, you received a Rules & Regulations brochure that outlines parking areas. It is also accessible online [HERE].

When do I get my Cavs Card?You will receive your Cavs Card at Expedition check-in (residential students on Friday; commuters on Saturday). If you plan to purchase textbooks when they go on sale on August 13, the Bookstore will have your card for the transaction, and you can pick it up at Expedition check-in.

Are campus offices open during Expedition weekend?Offices are open regular business hours on Friday. On Saturday, only the Bookstore is open from 6-9 pm (no textbook sales this evening). On Sunday, several offices are open from 9 am-4 pm, including: Admissions, Advising, Bookstore, Campus Police, Cashier, Financial Aid, Housing, Post Office, Registrar, and Student Development (Health Services). You may visit any of these offices around your Expedition activities.

Please contact the Office of Student Life at 276.328.0214 if you have any questions.